Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer known for her songs, her style, and her big heart, has also built a long-lasting and private relationship with her husband, Carl Dean. Over the years, she has shared glimpses of their love story and how they have managed to make their bond work. Here’s a look at 14 times Dolly Parton spoke openly about her private love life.
Their First Meeting: A Serendipitous Encounter
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean’s story began on Dolly’s first day in Nashville. In a 1976 interview with the New York Times, Dolly recalled meeting Carl at a laundromat. After arriving in Nashville with a suitcase full of dirty clothes, Dolly was doing laundry when Carl called out to her. Despite the spontaneous encounter, Dolly was cautious and hesitant to go out with him at first. She only agreed to spend time with him on her porch, watching her nephew, but Carl persisted, visiting her every day.
Photo : Pierre-Gilles Vidoli/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
As their relationship grew, Carl took Dolly to meet his parents, and Dolly was struck by his sincerity. Carl famously told her that the moment he laid eyes on her, he knew she was the one. Their first meeting, though modest, was the beginning of a lasting love that would stand the test of time.
A Simple Yet Special Wedding
Two years after their first meeting, Dolly and Carl tied the knot in a very private ceremony at the Ringgold Baptist Church in Georgia. The wedding was intimate, with just Dolly, Carl, the pastor, and Dolly’s mother, Avie Lee Owens, in attendance. Dolly shared that she wanted her mother there and had bought a small dress, while her mom had given her a Bible as a wedding gift. This simple and humble ceremony reflected the couple’s preference for privacy and their strong connection, focusing on what truly mattered to them – love and family.
Photo : Ron Davis/Getty Images
Their wedding may have been small, but it marked the start of a lifelong journey together. This intimate moment laid the foundation for a marriage full of shared memories, humor, and mutual respect.
Support Through It All
Throughout her illustrious career, Dolly has always spoken about the unwavering support Carl Dean has given her. Even though Carl wanted a quieter life, he never pressured Dolly to step away from her music career. In fact, Dolly revealed that Carl is proud of her, though he’s not a big fan of her singing. This understanding and respect for each other’s desires and careers has been a cornerstone of their marriage.
Photo : Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
Dolly also acknowledged that Carl isn’t interested in the spotlight. While she enjoys fame, Carl prefers a quiet life away from the public eye, and Dolly respects that. Their support for each other’s choices, even if they differ, showcases the deep mutual understanding that has kept their marriage strong.
Dean’s Reluctance for the Spotlight
Carl Dean’s avoidance of the public eye is something Dolly has often mentioned. In a conversation on “What Would Dolly Do?”, Dolly shared how Carl attended an event early in their marriage but was quickly turned off by the glitz and glamour. After one trip to a BMI Song of the Year event, Carl had enough, telling Dolly he didn’t want to be part of that world. He then removed his tuxedo and tie, making it clear that the spotlight was not for him.
Photo : Chris Polk/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
This moment set the tone for their relationship in the public eye. Dolly has respected Carl’s boundaries and never pressured him to attend events with her. This boundary has helped maintain the privacy and peace they value in their relationship.
Secrets to a Lasting Marriage
When asked about the secret to her successful marriage, Dolly has often emphasized the importance of space and humor. She shared in a 2022 interview that they don’t spend every moment together, which allows them to appreciate each other more when they do. They have their own interests, but also share things they enjoy, which has helped their bond remain strong.
Photo : Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images
Moreover, Dolly believes that a good sense of humor is crucial. She and Carl both share a “warped sense of humor,” which helps them navigate any difficulties they might face. They use humor to defuse tension, keeping their relationship lighthearted and grounded in laughter.
Keeping Some Distance: A Key to Their Relationship
Dolly has openly stated that spending time apart is one of the reasons her marriage has lasted. In a 2018 interview with People, she joked that the secret to a long-lasting marriage is “Stay gone!” She explained that the time apart makes their time together more exciting. Dolly’s extensive touring schedule means she is often away, but when she and Carl are together, they cherish their moments and the little things that make their relationship special.
Photo : Michael Buckner/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
The space between them has allowed their love to remain fresh, with both having room to grow and pursue their interests. This healthy distance, rather than creating a divide, has kept their connection strong.
Little Traditions That Bring Them Joy
Dolly and Carl have developed their own unique traditions over the years, which include simple, fun activities. One of their favorite pastimes is driving through fast food restaurants in their RV. Dolly shared in a 2016 interview that they enjoy grabbing take-out together, with her often in the front seat of their camper, sometimes recognized and sometimes not.
Photo : Chris Polk/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
These little rituals, like enjoying fast food or just spending time in their RV, reflect their preference for simple pleasures. They don’t need fancy dinners or extravagant things to enjoy each other’s company. For them, happiness lies in the everyday moments that they share.
No Children, No Regrets
Though Dolly and Carl have been married for over five decades, they chose not to have children. In interviews, Dolly has shared that this decision was mutual and one they have never regretted. She admitted that early on in their relationship, they assumed they would have children, but it just didn’t happen. Dolly jokingly says that God didn’t intend for her to have kids so that all the children in the world could be hers.
Photo : Lexie Moreland/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images
Now, as they grow older, Dolly and Carl reflect on their decision and often express gratitude for the freedom it has allowed them. They have remained close to Dolly’s large family, and they have cherished relationships with nieces and nephews, which has fulfilled their desire for a family.
Flirting, but Staying Faithful
In her documentary, Dolly Parton: In Her Own Words, Dolly revealed that she and Carl have an open marriage—of sorts. While they do not practice infidelity, Dolly admitted to having harmless crushes and engaging in flirtations with other people. She emphasized that Carl knows she’s loyal and that these moments are just for fun.
Photo : Richard Shotwell/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
Carl, in turn, also flirts, and they both respect each other’s freedom in this regard. Dolly made it clear that, while flirting happens, their love and commitment to one another are unwavering. Their unique approach to maintaining their relationship’s spark is a testament to their mutual trust and understanding.
What Dolly Loves About Carl
In an interview from 1977, Dolly shared some beautiful sentiments about Carl. She described him as shy and quiet, contrasting with her own more extroverted nature. She said that their relationship was so special that she never wanted it to be tainted by anything else. Dolly’s admiration for Carl’s personality and their bond is evident in how she cherishes their quiet, intimate moments together.
Photo : Photo By: Tsuni/Everett Collection.
Dolly’s love for Carl is built on deep respect for his character, and she often reflects on how blessed she feels to have him as her life partner. His quiet nature complements her larger-than-life persona, creating a balance that has kept their marriage strong over the years.
Time Apart: A Relationship Saver
In another interview with EOnline, Dolly once again emphasized the importance of spending time apart. She explained that being constantly together can lead to unnecessary tension, but their time apart has allowed them to maintain excitement when they reunite. The space between them keeps their relationship from becoming monotonous and helps them appreciate each other even more.
Photo : Ron Wolfson/Everett Collection
Dolly believes that this balance between independence and closeness has worked wonders for their marriage. It’s a lesson many couples can learn from—maintaining a sense of individuality while nurturing the bond that holds them together.
Their Perfect Date Days
Dolly and Carl enjoy spending time together in a way that doesn’t require extravagance. They have what Dolly calls “date days,” where they take their RV and go on little adventures. Dolly enjoys cooking and sometimes prepares a picnic for the two of them to enjoy by the river. These simple moments, filled with nature and each other’s company, are what make their relationship so special.
Photo : Photo By: Derek Storm/Everett Collection.
Their love for each other shines through in these everyday moments, where they create memories without the need for grand gestures. It’s a testament to their love that they can find joy in such humble experiences.
A-List Friends, but No Carl in the Spotlight
Despite Dolly’s status as a global superstar, many of her A-list friends, including Reba McEntire, have never met Carl. Reba revealed in an interview that she’s never been invited to meet Carl, even though she and Dolly have been close friends for years. This reflects how Dolly and Carl have kept their private life truly private, away from the public eye.
Photo : Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for ACM
This decision to keep Carl out of the spotlight allows them to enjoy a quiet life together, free from the pressures of fame. It also highlights the importance they place on maintaining privacy within their relationship, ensuring it remains something sacred between them.
Holiday Traditions: Simple Gifts and Special Moments
When it comes to holidays, Dolly and Carl don’t exchange extravagant gifts. Instead, Dolly picks out thoughtful, simple gifts for Carl over the years. He’s fond of working with tools, so Dolly often surprises him with new equipment for his projects. This tradition of thoughtful, practical gifting highlights their down-to-earth approach to their relationship.
Photo : Courtesy Everett Collection
Their holidays are filled with love and appreciation, not materialism. This simplicity and care for each other’s needs reflect the strong foundation their marriage is built on. The little gestures of love are what keep their connection strong through the years.
The Enduring Bond of Dolly Parton and Carl Dean
Dolly Parton and Carl Dean’s love story is an inspiring example of a relationship built on trust, respect, humor, and privacy. Their bond has lasted over five decades, and they’ve managed to maintain their love in a way that works for them. Through their shared traditions, sense of humor, and mutual respect for boundaries, Dolly and Carl have created a love story that continues to thrive, even in the public eye.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings